With proposed fare hikes, Silver Line riders would share burden

The average fare on Metro’s new Silver Line could go up before the new rail extension even opens. Richard Sarles, Metro’s general manager and CEO.
(Marvin Joseph - WASHINGTON POST)
Officials had estimated the average fare would be $3, but the proposal from Metro General Manager Richard Sarles would increase the average to $3.26. The hike would bring in an additional $1.1 million, according to the transit authotrity.

Metro released new numbers on the impact of the Silver Line before a Thursday board meeting. Some board members had asked for more details on the expected revenue for the new line. Sarles has lobbied for across-the-board fare hikes in the fiscal 2013 budget for bus, rail and at parking facilities.

The first part of the 23-mile stretch of the Silver Line, expected to open in late 2013, is under construction. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which is overseeing the construction, plans to put out a request for bids in the coming months for a contractor to build the second phase. That construction could start in January 2013.

The additional fare hikes on the Silver Line would bring in $1.1 million for six months of service in fiscal 2014 and $2.2 million for a full year of service in fiscal 2015, according to Metro’s figures.

Budget figures for fiscal 2012 show Metro revenue is down 1 percent and expenses are up 5 percent, compared to what it had budgeted.

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